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2009 Gold Award Winner
Strengthening the Community and the Economy through the Arts
Slidell, Louisiana
Population Category Under 50,000
The City of Slidell is committed to fostering a sense of community and strengthening the economy through cultural events and ensuring that all residents, regardless of socioeconomic status, are able to attend cultural performances. Forty free events are offered annually with more than one-third of the City’s population attending the Bayou Jam and outdoor symphony concerts.
“The City of Slidell is honored to have been recognized with the prestigious National League of Cities Award for Municipal Excellence. Though Slidell is a relatively small community, the City offers a phenomenal number of cultural events, festivals, art exhibits, and arts-in-education programs throughout the year. We are blessed to have so many Cultural Season sponsors, community businesses and arts patrons who recognize the importance of how these events enhance our citizens’ quality of life, as well as the economic impact these programs provide. Their contributions toward our events helps us ensure that we can continue to grow our offerings and our economy.”
---Mayor Ben O. Morris, Slidell, Louisiana |
2009 Gold Award Winner
Neighborhood Renaissance Savannah
Savannah, Georgia
Population Category 50,001-150,000
A collaborative public/private partnership has leveraged $150 million for housing and neighborhood improvements in three of Savannah’s inner-city neighborhoods. Program components included building partnerships, participatory planning, aggressive property maintenance, derelict and vacant property acquisition, housing, economic and infrastructure investments, and sustainable design.
"The City of Savannah has long taken pride in the quality of its community and its neighborhoods. Neighborhood Renaissance Savannah represents many years of citizen input, multiple partnerships, creative policies and strategic use of CDBG/HOME funding to leverage more that $150 million for housing and neighborhood improvements in Savannah. Working with residents, the Savannah City Council has made the renaissance of distressed neighborhoods a priority and recognizes that its success continues to depend on addressing the physical and human deterioration of our community."
---Mayor Otis Johnson, Savannah, Georgia |